South Florida Injury Attorney Blog

A passenger on the back of a motorcycle suffered a serious injury after being hit by a ladder that fell off a pickup truck, the Gainesville Sun reported March 11 The article says Margaret Moore of West Virginia was on the back of a motorbike operated by Gerald Moore and traveling west. As a pickup truck traveling east approached them, a ladder strapped to the top slid off, hitting Margaret Moore in the head. Gerald Moore, who was sitting lower on the bike, was not hurt. She was hospitalized in critical condition; charges were pending against the driver of the pickup.

Trucking accident attorneys in South Florida and around the U.S. frequently talk about the dangers of improperly secured loads on large trucks -- but those dangers are just as real when the load is on a passenger car or truck. Florida law requires people hauling a heavy load to properly secure that load, making violations a traffic infraction or a misdemeanor, depending on whether anyone was seriously hurt or killed as a result. And regardless of whether a criminal case is filed or a ticket is written, hurting someone with a badly secured load makes drivers legally liable for any Florida traffic accident lawsuit victims choose to file.

This senseless Florida motorcycle accident is a good example of how drivers’ carelessness can affect motorcyclists even in a one-vehicle accident. With only their gear to protect them, motorcyclists are a lot more vulnerable in an accident than people in cars. That’s one reason why riders are 35 times more likely to die in an accident than drivers. All motorists have a responsibility to share the road -- but all too often, drivers behave as if motorcycles don’t exist. As experienced riders and drivers know, it’s possible to not see something you’re not looking for, even if it’s right in front of you.

Cohn, Smith & Cohn is proud to represent motorcycle accident victims in South Florida motorcycle accident claims. Our firm has nearly 25 years of experience and a strong record of success -- but perhaps more importantly, lead partner Alan Cohn rides himself. We understand the special issues faced by seriously hurt Florida motorcycle accident victims, including problems with insurance, valuing your claim properly and good old-fashioned prejudice against people who ride. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle crash and you’d like to speak with us about your case, please contact our firm online for a free, confidential consultation.